In 2012’s summer movie series, EPPC Resident Scholar James Bowman presented five films on the subject of loyalty and betrayal. Spanning nearly 60 years and made in a variety of styles with diverse purposes, all five movies may nevertheless be seen as engaging with E.M. Forster’s famous dictum: “If I had to choose between betraying my country and betraying my friend, I hope I should have the guts to betray my country” — words that have haunted the post-war Western world, both in and out of the movies.

The series took place on successive Wednesday evenings between June 20 and July 25, 2012 (except for the July 4 holiday) at Hudson Institute’s Washington headquarters. Each session began with a brief introduction, and each film was followed by a discussion with the audience and distinguished panelists.